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The council has outlined a number of recommendations in a submission to the Oireachtas Justice Committee.

They include a ratification of European Conventions on Cybercrime to ensure a robust response to online racism.

The council also recommends the use of the garda PULSE system to ensure there is accurate recording of the levels of racism.

Immigrant Council Chief Executive Denise Charlton said over the past year the council had responded to unprecedented levels of reports of racism and discrimination following high-profile awareness campaigns.

She said: "In 2013 we recorded an 85% increase in cases, a trend which has continued into 2014.

"On the basis of these figures and the testimonies of people who have come forward to us we are now calling for a new National Action Plan to combat racism," Ms Charlton said.